Monday, February 23, 2015

39 Bridge Street could become another empty storefront.March might be the last month that ROTA Studios & Gallery will be open at that location. The rent was doable for the non-profit co-op when it split the expense with a co-tenant. But the situation became undoable after the co-tenant moved out, leaving ROTA stuck with full rent and utilities.For years ROTA has offered a space for substance free – all ages events. Young local musicians cut their teeth at the venue. It offered an alternative to teens besides wandering the streets, looking for something to do.Plattsburgh needs a youth center but after some talk years ago: nothing. ROTA has been the closest to such a center. But it hasn’t been limited to the young crowd. The older crowd also enjoys the music programs from melodious folk music to thrashing loud rock.As a gallery ROTA provided a different spot for area artists to hang their works and just hang around. You could see the beautiful and the bizarre, sometimes in the same exhibit.More info at https://www.facebook.com/rotagallery. The page also offers the option of making a much-needed donation.Or do you prefer another empty storefront in downtown Plattsburgh, large plywood bandages covering up smashed windows?

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

You never know who or what you will encounter at the ROTA Studios and Gallery. ROTA is known for its musical events, all ages, substance free. Location: 39 Bridge Street, downtown Plattsburgh. Recently ROTA has found itself in a financial predicament. A co-tenant moved out and ROTA now has to pay full rent for the space. Donations are welcome. More info: https://www.facebook.com/rotagallery .